“He didn’t quit on the stool; his body was too compromised to continue fighting.”
“He didn’t quit on the stool; his body was too compromised to continue fighting.”
That’s Justin Gaethje — the man who beat Topuria — refusing to let the quit narrative stand, defending the fighter he took the belt from. On the One Night with Steiny podcast, the lightweight champion pushed back hard on the quit narrative around UFC Freedom 250.
“He didn’t make the call; his coaches made the call because they’re there to protect him. My coaches are in my corner to protect me in those times.”
The Highlight walked into the White House event a heavy underdog, went toe-to-toe with the undefeated champion for four grueling rounds, and left with the belt after Topuria’s corner stopped it — orbital fractures, not a broken heart, ending the night.
This is the same Gaethje who has denied Topuria an immediate rematch — and the same Topuria who hinted the champ might have had something inside his gloves.
Now the rematch question is real. Gaethje says he won’t fight again this year and still hasn’t decided whether he’ll defend the belt or walk away, while El Matador keeps pushing for a second shot.
One thing hasn’t changed: Gaethje isn’t handing anything over.
Does Topuria deserve the rematch, or should he earn his way back first?
